PORTLAND – Juan Carlos Linares hit two doubles as part of a three-hit, two-RBI performance Wednesday night to lead the Portland Sea Dogs to a 5-4 win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Hadlock Field.

The Dogs have won three straight, their longest streak this season.

“(Linares) has been terrific,” said Portland Manager Kevin Boles. “He’s been outstanding. He’s been the strength in the middle of our lineup and he’s been the most consistent hitter we’ve had. He just comes ready to play and he provides great versatility on defense. You never have to worry about him being ready to compete.”

Linares made his presence felt in his final three at-bats. He doubled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Oscar Tejeda to give the Sea Dogs a 2-0 lead in the fourth.

After the Fisher Cats scored twice in the sixth to tie the game, Linares stroked his second double to lead off the bottom half of the sixth. He was driven home on a single by Tejeda to put Portland ahead 3-2.

Linares’ biggest impact came in the seventh when he hit a bases-loaded single to left to drive in a pair, making it 5-2.

Advertisement

“J.C. just wakes up out of bed and just hits the ball,” said Bryce Brentz, who homered to give the Sea Dogs a 1-0 lead in the second.

“He’s been the heart and soul of this team, and a great leader. I love watching him hit and I learn a lot from his at-bats.”

Brentz, the top power prospect in the Red Sox organization, has been warming up at the plate lately after a slow start. His home run to left-center was his second in as many games and third this season. He’s hit safely in seven of his last eight games, with four doubles to go with the two home runs.

“It looks like there’s a little bit more balance with his lower half at the plate, he’s seeing the ball a lot longer than he was before and I just think with him it’s just a matter of time because he’s so talented,” said Boles. “He’s very strong, plus hand speed. He’s got a lot to offer. He’s got a chance to be an offensive weapon.”

The Sea Dogs received a quality outing from starter Stolmy Pimentel, who earned his first win of the season by allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits in six innings.

NOTES: Anthony Ranaudo, the Red Sox No. 1 pitching prospect, has arrived in Portland from extended spring training in Fort Myers, Fla. He has a nameplate in the clubhouse but Boles offered no comment when asked about his status. As expected, Heiker Meneses was activated off the disabled list and started at second base for the Sea Dogs. The announced paid attendance was 4,600.

 


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.